Worst Ways to Lose Weight

From liquid-only detoxes to cabbage soup diets, there are plenty of tactics that promise to help you shed pounds fast—and miraculously stay slim for life. But most too-good-to-be-true weight loss plans are ineffective at best, and in some cases, can have serious health consequences. Oh, and not to mention, many quick weight loss strategies can leave you feeling pretty miserable, too. (The term “hangry” had to come from somewhere, right?) Custom Keto Diet

“If it took you months or even years to gain unwanted weight, you shouldn’t expect to lose it overnight,” says Caroline Cederquist, MD, a weight management doctor and founder of the meal delivery service bistroMD. “And if you do, it will most likely be water weight.” Unlock Your Hip Flexors

To help you stay on the straight and narrow toward true weight loss success and lasting results, we’ve sifted through the latest fads to uncover the unhealthiest ways to lose weight fast. Vow to never try any of them and shed those unwanted pounds with the help of these best-ever weight loss tips instead!1

You’re doing a juice cleanse

A juice-only diet might leave you feeling light and clean. Problem is, juices have almost zero protein. “So you’ll lose water weight and muscle mass, but not fat,” Cederquist says. And once you go back to solid food, those pounds will pile right back on. Whomp, whomp! Curious about all the other wonky things that can go down when you say no to solids? Then don’t miss our special report,  what happens to your body on a juice cleanse.2 Halki Diabetes Remedy

You’re skipping meals

Passing on breakfast, lunch, or dinner might be an easy way to drastically slash your calorie intake. But doing so will probably backfire. One recent animal study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that mice who ate just one meal daily wound up gorging on their food—and packing on unhealthy belly fat. Flat Belly Fix

RELATED: Get lean for life with this 14-day flat belly plan.3

You’re going gluten-free

Despite what some celebrities might say, there’s no scientific evidence showing that a gluten-free diet will help you get lean. In fact, it might do the opposite—especially if you rely on gluten-free packaged foods like breads or muffins. “Manufacturers add extra fat, salt, and sugar to make up for the missing flavor and texture of gluten. So these foods are often higher in calories,” registered dietitian Jennifer McDaniel, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, tells us. Over 40 Keto diet Solution

For example, one slice of Ezekiel Sprouted Whole-Grain bread packs in four grams of protein, three grams of fiber, and zero sugar while one slice of Udi’s Gluten Free White Sandwich Bread contains nearly as many calories in addition to zero fiber and half the amount of protein. Instead of going gluten-free, nix simple carbs like white bread and slim down with the help of better-for-you starches like quinoa, fruit, beans, or any of these carbs that will uncover your abs.4 Leptitox Supplement

You’re drinking vinegar before every meal

Some findings do show that vinegar promotes healthier blood sugar levels and feelings of satiety. But since drinking highly acidic liquids like vinegar can irritate the throat and stomach it shouldn’t be something you do on the reg, Cederquist says, adding, “My recommendation is to use vinegar as a healthy alternative to salad dressings and to continue to eat a nutritionally balanced diet.” If you don’t have a go-to recipe, why not try these apple cider vinegar recipes and ideas!5

You’re eating fat-free everything

Foregoing all forms of fat—including healthy ones like olive oil and avocado—won’t just leave your food bland at tasteless, it could make you sick, too. Not eating enough fat has been associated with hunger, dry skin, and extreme mental fatigue. Not to mention, low-fat diets are completely ineffective for weight loss, according to a recent analysis of 53 studies and nearly 70,000 participants published in The Lancet.6 Cinderella Solution

You’re cutting out entire food groups

Sure, it might seem like swearing off carbs or sugar will be the answer to your weight problems but that’s simply not the case. “Each food group contains vital nutrients that our bodies need to function,” Cederquist says. Plus, you could find yourself with massive cravings for the foods you cut out. “It’s all about balance,” Cederquist adds.7

You’re drinking ice cold water

If you prefer ice water over H2O that’s room temperature, that’s totally fine. But if you’re only adding ice cubes to your glass to lose weight, your efforts aren’t likely to pay off. You may have heard that drinking colder water forces your body to work harder (and subsequently burn calories) to bring the water up to your body’s internal temperature—and that’s 100 percent true. But the process only burns eight calories, say experts at The University of Washington. And sorry to say, when it comes to losing weight, eight measly calories just isn’t very meaningful. These ways to cut calories, however, can help you slash enough calories from your diet to actually notice a difference over time. best weight loss program

You’re sipping laxative teas

Laxative teas might leave you feeling, er, a little lighter. But they don’t actually help you lose weight—and they could be harmful. “Teas that cause an increase in bowel function are not helping you lose fat,” Cederquist says. “Rather, you are losing fluid, and can have [health] issues [as a result of] disrupting electrolyte levels.” If you like the idea of sipping tea to slim down, add some of these gentle—and safe—weight loss teas to your diet instead.